Tiruchirapally to Kochi Flights

  About Tiruchirappali

Tiruchirappalli is famously known by its shorter forms, Trichy and Tiruchi. It is a big city in Tamil Nadu and the fourth largest in terms of urban agglomeration. The city sits in the centre of the state of Tamil Nadu and enjoys a plethora of pilgrimage sites. Tiruchirappalli also has the Kaveri river flowing through the city. In the ancient years, the city is known to have been under the rule of various dynasties such as Cholas, Pandyas, Vijayanagar Empire, Pallavas and Nayaks too. Hence, the city has interesting structures and temples that glorify the ancient dynasties.

Tiruchirappalli is a major roadway and railway hub in the south of the state. Not to mention how it also has an international airport. In fact, the Tiruchirappalli International Airport has about five domestic flight services and seven international flights flying in and out of the city. Tiruchirappalli's international routes by flights are well-connected. Not to mention the flight connectivity of Tiruchirappalli to Indian metro cities is also quite remarkable.

Best time to visit Tiruchirapalli

Being on the Southern-most district of Tamil Nadu, Tiruchirapalli suffers from the excess heat and humidity that comes with summer. Not to mention how the weather continues to stay back to make it uncomfortable for people. Locals are used to the hot and humid weather which is teamed with erratic rain schedules and downpour. The maximum temperature peaks up to 41 degree Celsius in Tiruchirapalli during summers. The months from March to May are not ideal for tourism in the city. With temperatures ranging from 36 degree Celsius to 41 degree Celsius, it doesn't look good for tourism. Sadly, the humidity makes it worse. Flight tickets to Tiruchirapalli during this time is actually low and affordable. Many use this opportunity to leave the city and go someplace with cool vibes. If you do plan to visit the city during winter, then be prepared for the excess heat. Carry appropriate clothes on your trip and do not venture out without a bottle of water. Constant hydration is required, especially during summers.

June to September is monsoon month for Tiruchirapalli. However, the weather is erratic with moderate to heavy rainfalls taking over the city. While the rains do bring some relief to people who have been dealing with the scorching summer sun at Tiruchirapalli, it is accompanied by humidity, something worse than heat. There is excess moisture in the air which only makes the city hotter. However, as long as you pick a pleasant date when the heat won't be too much, that would be ideal. Plus, the city does witness scenic bliss as the rain drenches the town and its greenery. The whole sight is beautiful and worth witnessing. Hotel bookings in Tiruchirapalli with monsoon present is quite cheap and affordable. As it is an off-season for the tourism in the city, they drop the accommodation prices to make it friendly for every kind of pocket.

Out of the three seasons, winter is the most pleasant to be experienced by the city and in the city. With winters, the temperatures actually drop down to 19 degree Celsius. In fact, the maximum it rises to is 22 degree Celsius. Not only is this favourable for tourism, but it is also suitable for locals to engage the travellers. With less heat in the environment, it is a tremendous spike in the tourism of the city. Pilgrims flock over to visit some of the temples in the city, the hotel bookings at Tiruchirapalli are reasonable, if not expensive. December to February is especially ideal for tourism as the weather is simply out of the world.

Places to visit in Tiruchirapalli

Tiruchirapalli is recognised as a temple city, much like many other cities in Tamil Nadu. With the Dravidian-style architecture and gopurams in every temple, the city witnesses beautiful temple shrines that only add more charm to pilgrimage. During your time in the city, seek blessings at the Samayapuram Amman Temple, Rockfort Ganpathi Temple, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Brahmapureeswarar Temple, Viralimalai Murugan Temple, to name a few temples. The tourist attractions in Tiruchirapalli are mostly temples. However, some exceptions are found with the presence of the Kallanai Dam and Makkombu, a picnic spot.

Things to do in Tiruchirappali

Aside from pilgrimage, there is nothing much to do in the city. In fact, what you can do is visit the temples and learn about their significance. The Kolli Hills are located closeby and can be visited. You can sit under the Puliyancholai Waterfalls and feel at peace with a tranquil surrounding. Within the Kolli Hills, there is another waterfall called Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, which you should explore. The white waterfall is a beautiful sight.

Food and Restaurants in Tiruchirapalli

Tiruchirappalli might be known for South Indian cuisine, but they also entertain varied styles of cooking that don't necessarily have to be Indian. From Chinese to Italian, you will find some exciting tastes from the global kitchen. As a city with many temples and holy sites, Tiruchirappalli offers a range of mainly South Indian vegetarian dishes. The restaurants have recipes ranging from the staple idli, vada, sambar to some interesting twist of coastal seafood such as prawns, fish curry and more. You will not be bored with the food in the city as it caters to a diverse background. Of course, though, the highlight of the dishes has got to be Chettinad-style food. The said dish is quite popular in Tamil Nadu. It involves sun-dried meat marinated with freshly ground spices to give it lovely flavours. You should totally taste Chettinad food.

This can be found at Kannappa Chettinad Restaurant. The hotel chain is quite snazzy with an impeccable dining hall and perfect for a family outing. The place also serves pepper chicken and mutton biryani. Ezham Suvai is another amazing restaurant that plays with flavours to give the best food to the customers. Thanks to its diversity in cuisine, the place is always packed with tourists and even locals. It offers a splendid fusion of cuisine ranging from Gujarati, Jain, Chinese and Tandoori. However, to get the best of tandoori, you should definitely head to the Arab Spice Family restaurant. With moderate prices for dishes, the place certainly has great service and food.

Chellammal Samayal, Apple Millet, Banana Leaf are some of the restaurant chains that stick to the basics of traditional South India food. They sell authentic food and great ambience to the customers, which works out pretty well for them. Trichy Arusuvai restaurant, Meridian restaurant, Padma Cafe, are also some lovely restaurants where you will be met with tasty food.

How to reach Tiruchirappalli (Transportation)

By Air

Tiruchirappalli International Airport is acknowledged as the third largest airport in the state of Tamil Nadu, after Chennai and Coimbatore, in terms of passenger traffic. As the airport serves flights coming in from international routes to Tiruchirappalli, it experiences a good passenger footfall. The flight connectivity to Tiruchirappalli from cities such as Chennai, Bangalore, Madurai, Hyderabad, to name a few, is splendid. More than serving flights coming from domestic routes in Tiruchirappalli, the airport caters to international cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi and more. Airlines such as AirAsia, IndiGo, SriLankan Airlines, Alliance Air, Air India Express, Scoot and more, have flights flying to and from Tiruchirappalli on a regular basis. The airport has a fascinating history as it was established amid the Second World War by the British. Used by the British Airforce, the airport played a base to the British warplanes during the war. The airport is accessible too as it is only 5 km away from the main city, making transit within the city favourable.

By Rail

Just like the airport, even the Tiruchirappalli Junction is considered to be an important railway station in Tamil Nadu. After Chennai and Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli Junction becomes the third important railway junction in the state due to its excellent network with neighbouring cities. It is necessary that you first check the train schedule and ticket availability. The city witnesses tremendous footfall from other cities in India, making ticket reservations a little questionable. A majority of tourists usually opt for the railways to reach the city due to its good connectivity. Major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Delhi have dedicated express trains to and from Tiruchirappalli. Express trains such as Kanyakumari Express, Mumbai - Nagercoil Express, Thirukkkural Express and Anantapuri Express are some of the trains that regularly visit the city.

By Road

As a flourishing city, the road connectivity to Tiruchirappalli is also just as good as the flight and train connectivity. The Central Bus Station sees bus services from various cities within Tamil Nadu as well as cities from neighbouring states. In fact, some buses are also available that travel from Kolkata, Vizag, Bangalore, and more. Ticket bookings can be made via online apps and through a travel agent. However, in comparison to the other modes of transport, travelling to Tiruchirappalli via road is considered to be the least favourable. The roads leading to the city is not well-maintained. Not to mention how the duration and comfort level is compromised when travelling via road. Best to opt for a more viable choice such as flights to Tiruchirappalli or trains, unless you're travelling from within the state. There are many buses and domestic routes connected to Tiruchirappalli from Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, and more.

  About Kochi

Kochi is one of the most dynamic cities and the commercial capital of Kerala. The city is constantly bustling while its surrounding remains true to its agricultural roots. Kochi, as a city, plays an essential port to the South-west coast of India. The ports are connected to the Maldives, Lakshadweep Island and many important coastal cities.

Despite having a blend of various seasons, the heat and humidity in the air continue to remain constant. However, that only makes travellers fly to Kochi instead. Not to mention how the gorgeous setting of the city and its impeccable connectivity that allows a traveller to traverse through various terrains.

Best time to visit Kochi

Kochi sees multitudes of seasons and climate all-year-long. Throughout the year, even know specific seasons are set and have been followed, every year, sudden twists in the western forecasts leave the locals in peril. The tropical setting of Kochi and even Kerala it ideal for summers and even winters. In fact, the months from October to February are actually enchanting and the best. The temperatures dawdle between 17 degree Celsius and 33 degree Celsius. Not only is the winter season perfect for backpackers and solo travellers but also couples and newlyweds who wish to go to honeymoon in Mumbai itself.

The months from March to June marks the start of summer in Kochi. The temperatures in Kochi during summer continues to escalate up to 37 degree Celsius. Although it is considered to be a good season to visit the city, it is only because there is less crowd. On off-seasons, tourists avoid visiting places as they fear unpleasant experiences. However, flying to Kochi on off-season might be helpful as people wouldn't have to deal with the excess tourist crowd. Plus, flight tickets to Kochi see some massive price drop. Many airlines also have flight deals to bring down the cost of a ticket to Kochi.

Monsoons in Kochi are exceptional. Even though it is not a peak season for the city as a rain-washed city would not be favourable for tourist activities, many travellers opt for monsoons. The main reason behind choosing monsoon as the best time to catch a flight to Kochi is that the city's lush greenery turns emerald as the backwaters dance under the torrent rains. Booking a hotel in Kochi during this season is also affordable as it is an off-season for hoteliers. The whole sight of the place is enchanting and definitely an unmemorable experience. Kochi experienced monsoon between July to September.

Places to see in Kochi

The gorgeous Arabian sea might border Kochi on one side, and the towering Western Ghats on the other but the melange of the two varied geographies only makes the city alluring. When in Kochi, you should definitely check out some of its famous beaches namely, Veeranpuzha Beach, Cherai Beach, Munambam Beach, Fort Kochi Beach and more. The city also has many pristine churches that should be visited. These are St Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilican and the Paradesi Synagogue.

Besides these attractions, Kochi also has museums like Indo-Portuguese Museum, Ginger House Museum Hotel, Folklore Museum, and more than would enlighten you about their cultural heritage, their history and more. Not just the beaches but you should also check out what the lush green valleys close to Kochi have to offer. You can witness the Athirapally Falls and the Areekkal Falls. More than anything, you can visit the famous Lulu Shopping Mall too, which is right there in the city centre. You can further continue the pilgrimage by visiting temples such as Shiva Temple, Gowreeswara Temple Cherai, Ernakulam Mahadeva Temple, Thrikkakara Temple and more.

Things to do in Kochi

Elephant Training Centre

A little away from the city of Kochi is an adorable retreat for elephants. An Elephant Training centre has been established by the Ernakulam district where the animals are brought together to live in harmony. At the centre, these elephants are bathed and fed properly. The centre takes good care of the elephants and even allows visitors to come over and play with the giant animals. Visit this beautiful place and feel happy in the company of playful elephants who would keep you entertained with their goofiness.

Fort Ayurveda Spa

Kerala's Ayurvedic spas are world-renowned and for all the right reasons. The therapeutic massages and spa treatments actually help rejuvenate the body, mind and soul. Kochi has the Fort Ayurveda Spa, which lives up to the reputation of providing the customers with excellent services. Book an appointment here and let your troubles be washed away by the gentle touch of a masseuse. The experience will be beautiful and certainly have a lasting effect on you.

Kathakali Centre

The classical dance form of Kathakali is enchanting and compelling. The performances usually have a backstory and a theme based on which the whole show is presented. The art would keep you engaged as the eyes of the dancers would hypnotise you. Often these performances express a certain Hindu mythological story.

Snorkelling at Thiruvankullam

Compared to other parts of coastal India, Kochi has extremely beautiful and clean beaches. The shores are just as bright and spotless as is the Arabian sea that touches the coasts. The clean and clear waters of Kochi have enabled snorkelling in the area. You can head to Thiruvankullam and take up the water activity. You will be surprised to see some exquisite marine life that's prevalent just miles away from the city of Kochi.

Backwater tour

Kochi connects to Alleppey, which is the hub of backwaters in Kerala. Although it is a few kilometres far from the main city, Alleppey has a harbour from where you can either choose a houseboat or a shikhara ride to explore the gorgeous backwaters lined by rice paddies.

Food and restaurants

Kochi's lifestyle is heavily inspired or rather influenced by the Portuguese, Dutch and English. This is easily reflected in their way of living, lifestyle and more importantly, their cuisine as well. While they still have their special curry and parotha as the highlight of the state, the landscape of Kerala cuisine has seen quite a lot of transformations. As a coastal city, the cuisine mainly centres around exquisite seafood and Malabari food. As a developed city of India, Kochi manages to sustain the traditional cuisine as it also embraces other cuisines such as Asian, North Indian, Continental and more.

Sky Grill Lounge and Bar, Fort House, Asian Kitchen, The Rice Boat, Dhe Puttu, Fusion Bay are some of the finest restaurants that you will find in Kochi. You might not know this, but Kochi actually has a lot of quaint cafes to cater to the backpacking audience. In the city and close to the coastal area, you will find small joints and ventures that have a hipster vibe and attract the young crowd. It is a known fact that the seafood in Kerala is a delight to the taste buds. The city centre will acquaint you with not just exciting dishes but also taste and flavour that will be unforgettable.

How to reach Kochi (Transportation)

By Air

The Cochin International Airport, located 29 km away from the city centre sees excellent flight connectivity from Kochi to other major cities in India. In fact, the airport also has flights taking international routes from Kochi to Middle Eastern countries. Kochi airport is known to be one of the busiest and crowded airports thanks to the excellent connectivity it has with the other cities in the country as well as internationally. A plethora of flights fly from Kochi to cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Jaipur and more. The city is always on demand and hence, getting good flight deals for Kochi becomes quite challenging. However, with good planning and timing, you might be able to get cheap flight tickets to Kochi and even decent flight deals.

By Rail

Just like the flight connectivity of Kochi with the rest of the major cities in India, even the railway network is strong. There are two railway stations, namely Kochi Railway Station and Ernakulam Junction Station that connect the city with the rest of the country. There are express trains too that travel to Kochi from Mumbai, Delhi and other big cities. Train tickets to Kochi can be booked online as well as physically at the railway station. The city is well-connected within the state too and has bus and railway services to ensure that the city's stature as one of the economically strong and developed places sustains.

By Road

Kochi has impeccable roadway network as well owing to the city being a commercial hub. The city doesn't just contribute to the state's economy but also to the country's and hence, is blessed with strong roadways network. Several buses enter and leave the city from various parts of the country. The neighbouring states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, even Goa, have bus facilities that provide services to the city. The Kerala State Run Transport Corporation (KSRTC) travels through several cities, including Kochi. There are options for AC and Non-AC buses that you can choose from for your travel needs.

  About Tiruchirapalli Airport

Tiruchirapalli International Airport serves the city of Tiruchirapalli, which is located in the Southern district of Tamil Nadu, in India. The airport is situated on National Highway 336 and is approximately 5 km from the city centre. It is recorded as the 31st busiest airports in India, in terms of passenger traffic and is the third-largest airport in the state of Tamil Nadu, after Chennai and Coimbatore. The Tiruchirapalli International Airport is also recognised as the only airport in Tamil Nadu to serve more international airlines than domestic ones. Overall, the airport allows operations and connectivity of 7 international destinations and five domestic. Originally, the airport came into existence during World War II and served the British as part of their British Airforce. It catered as a maintenance dock for warplanes. After the war ended though, the locals received permission to convert it into a civilian airport for passenger travel operations.

About Tiruchirapalli Airport Terminals

The Tiruchirapalli International Airport has two terminals to cater to domestic and international airlines. The terminals are adjacent and have an integrated passenger terminal which is utilised for both, domestic and international air traffic. The older terminal has now been converted into an international cargo complex which stands at an area of 43,000 sq ft cargo complex. It was commissioned back in 2011 for operational purposes. The terminal is two-story and is handled with a capacity of nearly 0.49 passengers, per year. On peak hours, the capacity of the airport to handle passengers is 470. The new terminal has various intriguing features, including 12 check-in counters with 16 immigration counters. A baggage assistance counter is also present where you can get your baggage wrapping done if needed. There are two lounges in the Tiruchirapalli International Airport with a VIP lounge that is handled by the AAI. The airport also has five X-ray scanners to help with baggage that can later be sent for check-in. With three aerobridges and seven aircraft stands, the airport further has enough space for parking. Expansion work is in progress at the Tiruchirapalli International Airport.

About airport authority

The Tiruchirapalli International Airport is owned by the Ministry of Civil Aviation while it is operated under the Airports Authority of India. Also known as AAI, the statutory body works under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Overall, the organisation falls under the Government of India and takes the responsibility of upgradation, maintenance and management of the aviation activities along with the infrastructure of all the airports owned by them. The Airports Authority of India came into existence in 1994 after a merge between the two bodies International Airports Authority of India and National Airports Authority was commissioned. Since then, the body is responsible for all the airports that fall under its direct wing.

Top airlines flying from Trichy Airport

Tiruchirappalli International Airport serves majorly as an international airport as it has more airlines for destinations abroad. Even the airport has more international airlines operating as opposed to the domestic ones. You can find international airlines such as AirAsia, Air India Express, Malindo Air, Scoot and Srilankan Airlines, operate from the Tiruchirappalli International Airport. The airlines connect to international cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Sharjah, Singapore, Dubai and Colombo-Bandaranaike. The airport is quite popular for the excellent connectivity it has with foreign countries. Meanwhile, only two domestic airlines are operating from the Tiruchirappalli International Airport. Alliance Air and IndiGo are the two domestic airlines that have flight services from the Trichy International Airport. The airlines cater to connecting the Tiruchirappalli International Airport with Indian cities such as Delhi, Madurai, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. The airport only caters to major cities in the South of India with New Delhi as an exception.

Facilities at Tiruchirapalli Airport

Lounge - Operated by the Airports Authority of India, Tiruchirapalli Airport has two lounges. Presently, the airport caters to the VIP lounge and the CIP (important commercial persons) lounge. Both the lounges are managed by AAI and are present in the new integrated terminal. The lounges are reserved only for people with specific ticket types or memberships with airlines. Some of the finest facilities are available at the airport lounge to cater to the comfort needs of the passengers. The seating arrangement is relaxing, and the ambience is also perfect for passengers to unwind while they wait to board the flight. There are facilities to rest in the airport lounge as well. You can sleep for a bit before your flight takes off.

Baggage - The airport's baggage facilities are also quite good. They have many services ranging from porter facilities to baggage wrapping deals. You can get your baggage wrapped in plastic at the airport. The benefits of this are that your baggage will be safe and secure. In the case of mishandling or theft, the same would be recognised by the tampering of the luggage. Trolleys are also available at all junctions of the airport's departure and arrivals sections.

Special assistance - Facilities to accommodate special assistance with respect to helping passengers with mobility issues and such are provided at Tiruchirapalli Airport. It is recommended that the passenger inform the airlines about the special requirements beforehand. That way, the airport would be able to reserve all the necessary equipment as well as a staff to help them with their travel concerns. They have professionals who will help the passenger with wheelchairs and other such amenities.

Restaurants and cafes - Food-related services are also available at the airport. You can opt for a snack or delve into a full-course meal. The airport has small-time local joints as well as decent restaurants available. These can be found near the departure and arrival sections of the new integrated terminal. There are multiple establishments for coffee, tea and other beverages as well.

Medical services - First aid is a necessity that every airport should have. Tiruchirapalli Airport has also ensured to follow the same protocol by installing proper medical service counters at all junctions. There is a dedicated room for medical emergencies. Simultaneously, the airport also has pharmacies present in the vicinity. You can find medications or experts to help you with the same.

ATMs - There are dedicated ATM kiosks also available at Tiruchirapalli Airport. In case you have run out of cash and need to withdraw some for airport indulgences, you wouldn't have to worry as they do have ATMs. The shops in the airport vicinity also accept credit and debit cards along with some other means of money transfers.

Duty-Free shops - Much recently, the airport has introduced duty-free shops where passengers can purchase handicrafts and other items. The shops sell some of the finest goods such as coffee, religious items and handicrafts that are a speciality of Tiruchirapalli. You will find some small idols of gods as well, including that of Lord Ganesha. The shops are a good way to kill time before you can board your flight.

Travel agents - At the airport, another perk is to find travel agents who can book touristy activities, hotels and transportation on your behalf. They are present in the arrivals section. The travel agents also have enough information and passenger guide to the city that you can check out. From city attractions to how to reach places, the airport's travel agents would help you out with all the necessary information.

Smoking rooms - There are dedicated smoking zones also available at the airport. To avoid smoking in public, the airport has installed a smoking lounge. Passengers are prohibited from smoking anywhere else but the lounge facility.

How to reach Trichy Airport

The Tiruchirappalli International Airport is situated on the National Highway 336, connecting Pudukottai and Trichy. It has great connectivity with bus services from within the city. There are city buses from the Central Bus Stand and Chatram Bus Stand that connect directly to the airport. You can reach the Tiruchirappalli International Airport by hopping onto one of the buses. These buses would drop you to the airport terminal, which is perfect. The buses are exclusively operated to make reaching the Tiruchirappalli International Airport far more convenient. No metre-line connects to the airport, neither is there a nearby railway station. Aside from the buses, booking a rental is one of the easiest ways to reach Trichy Airport. Much recently, a taxiway and passenger terminal have been constructed at the Tiruchirappalli International Airport.

About Tiruchirapalli

Tiruchirapalli or famously referred to as Trichy or Tiruchi is a major city in the state of Tamil Nadu. The city is known to be the fourth largest following Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai, in the state. Geographically, the city is located right in the centre of the state with Cauvery Delta beginning about 16 km from the west of Tiruchirapalli. The city's recorded history dates back to 3rd century BC with the rule of the Cholas. The city has also witnessed the rule of the Pandayas, Nayak Dynasty, Pallavas, Vijaynagar Empire and eventually, the British Raj. The diverse reign is reflected in their monuments and historic sites. The city houses one of the most engineering universities in the state, the National Institute of Technology.

  About Cochin Airport

Cochin International Airport is located 25 km away from the city of Kochi, at Nedumbassery, in the state of Kerala. The Cochin Airport is the first airport in the country that has been developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The project is funded by about 10,000 non-resident Indians (NRI) sprawled across 30 countries. The airport is known for its busy status as it is the most active in the state of Kerala. The airport is also the largest in the state. Cochin International Airport provides to ap[proximately 61 per cent of passenger movement. The Cochin Airport is also recognized nationally as the fourth busiest airport, with respect to international traffic and eighth most active overall.

About Cochin Airport Terminals

There are three main terminals at the Cochin International Airport. While two of them cater to the domestic terminal, the third one works as an international airport. Terminal 1 was previously used for international flight activities. However, with the new and improved Terminal 3, the international operations were shifted there. The terminal caters to the domestic airlines and operations and can accommodate 4,000 passengers per hour. There are 56 check-in counters, six private lounges and seven aerobridges with a conveyor belt that transfers baggage of about 12 flights at once. Terminal 2 offers an executive experience with CUTE enabled check-in counters, four self-check-in kiosks and six security gates with a space to handle about 400 passengers at once. The terminal was converted as an executive terminal much recently. The international Terminal 3 came into existence in recent times. Built with the Kerala architecture and influence from the Thrissur Pooram, the terminal boasts exquisite fibre elephants adorned with traditional costumes. There are five entry gates, 84 check-in and 80 immigration counters.

About airport authority

The Cochin International Airport is owned by the public limited company, formally known as Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), which is a public-private consortium. The Government of Kerala also holds ownership in the venture with 33.36 per cent stakes. The government is the largest investor in CIAL while various Indian and foreign organizations also have stakes on it. Companies such as BPCL, AAI and Air India have a collective stake of 8.74 per cent. Meanwhile, foreign organizations such as Emke Group from Abu Dhabi, Galfar Group of Oman and Majeed Bukatara Trading of UAE hold 5.42 per cent stake. There are many more players in the venture too such as Federal Bank, Canara Bank and SBT. 38.03 per cent of stake is collectively owned by approximately 10,000 personal investors panned across 29 countries. These are non-resident Indians with stakes in CIAL.

Facilities at the Cochin Airport

Luggage facility: The airport has a slew of services available pertaining to the luggage. There are free luggage trolleys available at the entrance of the airport as well as at regular counters till the check-in. The terminal also allows porterage services where you can avail help from a professional to escort your luggage from one point to another. The porterage services do come for free for senior citizens, expectant mothers, physically disabled individuals, minors and more. It is imperative that you coordinate with the respective airlines to avail the services. Along with porterage and trolleys, the airport also offers baggage wrapping services. You can get your luggage wrapped in plastic to protect them from theft, mishandle and other concerns.

Child care room: The Cochin airport has designated child care centres in the domestic as well as international terminals. This comes in handy for mothers with infants. Women with kids can make use of the room to feed and change diapers. The room also has other provisions of baby products, including toys, to help soothe the child, if needed. The centre is well-sanitized and is maintained perfectly to ensure the hygiene of the space. Mothers must find it safe and healthy.

Information desk: The information desk is available at regular intervals. The space offers all details about the airport, including a map of the airport. The desk provides all the necessary information regarding flights, airlines, boarding gates and other such concerns even if you need to find specific places such as the lost and found and VIP rooms.

Conference halls: One of the major highlights of the Cochin Airport is the conference halls that it has. You can host meetings and other such conventions at the airport. It is excellent and quite convenient as it helps save time for all the parties involved. Business professionals can simply meet at the airport, wrap up the conference or convention and take their flights to return to their cities. It is a convenient setting and hence, is most favoured.

Postal facilities:

Cochin airport has postal facilities as well that work perfectly for the passengers. In case there are some important documents and letters that need to be posted, you can make it happen at the airport. Postal services are available at both the terminals.

Restaurants and cafes: Kochi airport's domestic wing has only a few food establishments in the food court. The international terminal of the airport does have a decent slew of restaurants and food establishments that you will find.

Pre-paid taxi services: From the airport, there are many pre-paid taxi services outside the airport. Outside the airport, the officials have segregated the parking spaces in such a way that specific pillars and lanes are dedicated to taxi cabs. Depending on your bookings, you will be directed to the specific pillar or lane for taxis.

ATMs and Forex: Foreign exchange counters and ATM kiosks are present at regular intervals in the airport.

You can make your currency exchanges and even get a good rate at the airport. You can also withdraw cash at the ATMs to ensure that you have enough money in hand.

Medical facilities: Much like every airport, even Cochin airport has medical services. It is a necessary protocol that needs to be followed by all the airports to have medical facilities. The possibility of a medical emergency is always prevalent at airports.

VIP lounge: The airport has exemplary VIP lounges and guestrooms for special people. Travellers who have first-class tickets or premium memberships at specific airlines will get access to the private lounges or VIP rooms. These lounges and rooms have upscaled luxury services with great hospitality.

Top airlines flying from the Cochin Airport

Cochin International Airport is recognized as one of the largest and busiest airports in the state of Kerala. With an air passenger movement of approximately 61 per cent, the airport easily becomes a busy one in the state. The Cochin International Airport also witnesses tremendous international traffic. As many flights directly fly to Middle Eastern countries from Cochin and witnesses a high demand too, the international traffic is just as busy as the domestic terminal. Cochin International Airport also serves as a base to the operations of the airlines Air India Express. Aside from Air India Express, the airport also sees many other important domestic airlines such as Air Asia India, Air India Express, GoAir, IndiGo, Indian Airlines, SpiceJet and Vistara. There are three passenger terminals with Terminal 3 (international terminal) being the largest terminals in the whole country.

Earlier Terminal 1 served as the international terminal. However, after a massive upgrade that took place and with the genesis of Terminal 3, the international flight activities shifted to the other one. The capacity is also quite good, with over 4,000 passengers per hour. Some of the international airlines that fly from Cochin Airport are Air Arabia, Air Asia, Air India, Air Jazeera, Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, Gulf Air, Kuwait Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, Oman Airways, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Silkair, Singapore Airlines, Srilankan Airlines, Thai AirAsia and Tiger Airways. These airlines majorly cater to the passengers flying in and out of Middle Eastern countries. As the demand for the Middle Eastern countries is very high in the state of Kerala, quite a few airlines have direct flights to those international destinations. Cochin airport houses airlines that directly connect with cities such as Muscat, Kuwait, Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Riyadh and Jeddah.

How to reach Cochin Airport

There are various ways to reach Cochin International Airport. Buses, taxis and private vehicles can reach you to the Cochin airport without any hassle. There are dedicated buses that travel to the Cochin International Airport. Often many travel to Cochin Airport to reach places such as Alleppey, Munnar and other prominent tourist destinations in Kerala. While the main city does have the main bus stand, there are many bus routes that connect to the airport. These buses have destinations such as Ernakulam, Padma, Thrissur, Fort Kochi, Angamaly, Kaloor and Ernakulam-Vyttil-Thoppumpady, to name a few.

Another famous and favoured way to reach Cochin International Airport is by pre-paid taxis. There are taxi counters available close to the domestic and international terminals. There are booths available within the premise of the airport too from where you can make your taxi bookings. Even outside the airport, there are taxi counters from where you can get your taxis. Ride-sharing services are also available with apps such as Uber and Ola at work. Often many travellers even opt to reach other cities in the Ernakulam district by booking a taxi. To further enhance your trip, the airport also has rental services available. You can make a booking at the taxi counter as well.